Committee
Education Committee, 21 Mar 2007
21 Mar 2007 · S2 · Education Committee
Item of business
Petition
Secondary Schools (Lockers) (PE825)
The petition raises a serious issue. Although schools' circumstances might be different, I am not sure that pupils' circumstances are that much different. Generally, secondary pupils have a great deal of weight to carry because of the books in their bag. What is striking from the evidence is the lack of consultation that took place when there were refurbishments and new builds. We are trying to encourage an appreciation of local authorities' accountability to those whom they serve and recognition of the fact that pupil councils should have an important role within schools.It is essential that in refurbishing school buildings pupils' needs are taken into account. Clearly, in this case they were not, although on the basis of this petition we cannot pass judgment on the degree to which they have been taken into account with other refurbishments and new builds. It is clear that the Executive could produce guidance on asking pupils what they need in respect of not only lockers but other provision. We could do something constructive by requesting that the Executive covers those matters in its refurbishment guidance.
In the same item of business
The Convener:
LD
Item 2 is petition PE825, from Rosshall academy student council and higher modern studies section, calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Ex...
Fiona Hyslop (Lothians) (SNP):
SNP
The petition raises a serious issue. Although schools' circumstances might be different, I am not sure that pupils' circumstances are that much different. Ge...
The Convener:
LD
I make the wider point that pupils' interests are often completely forgotten about in guidance on schools issues. It often refers to parents and staff but fo...
Fiona Hyslop:
SNP
There is also a practical issue. We should ask the Executive to engage—if it does not do so already—with those who produce educational materials to consider ...
The Convener:
LD
There is an issue in relation to the curriculum for excellence. When schools design new courses, they should take into account the practicalities of how cour...
Dr Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab):
Lab
Timetabling is also an issue. For example, pupils might have to bring musical instruments to school on the same day as sports kit and other items. I remember...
The Convener:
LD
There are practical issues when children have to carry bulky items for particular reasons. In such cases, special arrangements should be made. A pupil should...
Mr Kenneth Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab):
Lab
It is interesting to contrast the experience of the pupils who lodged the petition with that of pupils at the brand new Williamwood high school in my area. O...
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton (Lothians) (Con):
Con
I agree with the convener. It is for head teachers to decide whether their school should have lockers and how they should be managed. Obviously, that can be ...
Ms Rosemary Byrne (South of Scotland) (Sol):
Sol
That is probably the best route to take. We should also emphasise that pupils should be consulted when new schools are built. Some schools will not have the ...
The Convener:
LD
It seems that the committee is unanimous in its concern about the issue. The best way to proceed might be to write to the Minister for Education and Young Pe...